BETHANY, Okla. — There are times in a coach's career when things just fall into place and something special feels like it's about to happen. That's the feeling Southern Nazarene has as the Storm take a run at the program's first bid to the NAIA National Tournament.

The Crimson Storm have high expectations as any team that finishes high in the Sooner Athletic Conference should. SNU was picked to finish third in the SAC behind Oklahoma City and Lubbock Christian and ahead of the 2009 NAIA Runner-Up St. Gregory's.

Just about every player returns from the 2010 team that went 33-23 overall and 18-16 in conference play, finishing fourth in the SAC. Southern Nazarene Head Coach Tere Webber was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and posted her second straight 30-win season and third of her career.

Now the Crimson Storm look to push OCU and LCU for the top spot in the conference and Webber thinks this team might have the best chance to do so.

“This group is a special group of ladies,” said Webber. “We have high expectations with such a veteran club and we haven't been this experienced in a while. They are hungry to finish what they have started and built over the past couple of years.”

INFIELD
One big key to Southern Nazarene is the return of NAIA All-American first team selection Katie Hale. The senior set a school record with a .513 batting average last year along with many other school records, including home runs (14) and RBIs. Hale is the catalyst to the offense and a mainstay at first base.

“Katie leads us both on the field and with her stick,” said Webber. “I expect another great year out of her. She's been through a lot and has just thrived the past few seasons. I think she will get pitched around more this year, but she's such a great player and she should finish her career strong.”

The Storm also boast one of the better middle infields in the conference in Katie Turner at shortstop and Daphne Stewart at second base. Turner hit .320 with 21 RBIs and set the school record with 56 runs scored last year as she was named All-SAC second team. Stewart was named to the SAC Gold Glove Team and stands second all-time in school history in double plays turned. She also hit .365 last seasons and scored 46 runs.

“When Katie is on the field we are a different team,” said Webber. “She is like another coach out on the field. Katie is that leader that every coach wants on the field. Daphne is one of the most consistent players and consistent people all the way around. She's one of the hardest workers on this team.”

Kelli Billups comes into her final year at third base as she hit .316 last year with 30 RBIs and 19 runs scored. She was a SAC Gold Glove Team selection as a sophomore and was an All-SAC honorable mention last year.

“Kelli holds down third base like no other player,” said Webber. “She's just steady and consistent with quick hands. Her growth over the last four years has been amazing.”

Completing the infield will be a duo behind the plate as Amy Madden and Kara Crawford will split time throughout the year depending on who's on the other side of the battery. Madden had a strong freshman year in hitting .374 with 34 RBIs and six home runs and had just one error in 119 chances. Crawford is a junior transfer from Paris JC and will join her twin after spending the first season on different teams in their softball careers.

“Amy's our workhorse,” said Webber. “She's so dedicated in whatever she does both on and off the field. Amy puts in extra time and we will need her bat to come alive and take control behind the plate. Kara will help her sister be a finisher. She's a silent leader and has worked hard and will be that missing link in our staff this year.”

Amanda Lewis, a freshman from Henryetta, Okla., will backup both catchers and will serve as a reserve at third while Micha Laughlin, a freshman from Tecumseh, Okla., can fill in anywhere on the infield. Lewis was a two-time all-county and all conference selection at Henryetta High School. Laughlin was a conference MVP at Dale High School.

“Amanda had a great fall and I see great things in the future for her,” said Webber. “We are looking forward to watching her grow and get better. Micha has been a great surprise this fall and has quick hands. She can step in anywhere on the infield. Micha will be able to help when called upon.”

OUTFIELD
The Crimson Storm are just as strong in the outfield as All-SAC first team selection Aubrey Jones returns for her junior season. The center fielder hit .378 with 40 runs scored and 57 RBIs as a sophomore. She was in the top 25 in RBIs in the NAIA and sixth in the conference.

“Aubrey runs the outfield and has become more vocal and a better leader,” said Webber. “We need to keep her going at the plate and I really look forward to what she's going to do this year and the next.”

Kristina Forest heads into her junior year after hitting .333 with 29 RBIs and 23 runs scored earning an All-SAC honorable mention. Forest may also share time in right as well as the designated player with freshman Kacey Acker. Acker was a three-time All-Suburban Conference choice at Guthrie (Okla.) High School. She could also see some time at first base.

“Kristina might be the most raw athletic kid I have ever coached,” said Webber. “For someone with her size and quickness, she can do it all. She can rip the cover off the ball as well. Kacey has looked great at the plate in the preseason and we are excited that she will probably exceed our expectations”

Senior Shanna Buckles is expected to start in left field opening day, but junior Allison Fields will also see some time in left. Buckles hit .255 last year with 14 runs scored. Fields hit .232 with 10 RBIs last year and might see time on the infield as well.

“Shanna's like a water bug for us; she's just everywhere you need her,” said Webber. “She will track down anything in the outfield. If I need a defensive person out there, she's the one we turn to. Allison will be a great utility player for us and can play both the infield and outfield. She has the confidence to play where we need her. She has so much speed and will be an important player in taking us to the next level.”

Jordan Jones, a freshman out of North Richland, Texas, will also be a solid reserve in the outfield for SNU. Jones was the Defensive Player of the year at Richland High.

“Jordan brings so much energy to the team,” said Webber. “She's a sparkplug that keeps us moving forward.”

PITCHING
SNU also returns its entire pitching staff from last year.

Jordan Simmons led the team in wins, going 18-8 as a junior last season with a 3.99 ERA and struck out 72. She held opponents to just a .284 batting average in 2010.

“Jordan has so much experience and depth to her game,” said Webber. “She doesn't get riled. Jordan is getting better every day and gaining confidence in herself and her defense and we expect her to have a fantastic year.”

Kaci Crawford also returns for her junior season after going 13-13 last year with a 4.76 ERA. She threw two shutouts in 19 complete games and led the team in strikeouts with 132 and held opponents to just a .278 batting average.

“Kaci will have to hold her own this year and reduce the number of big hits, but has worked hard and improved,” said Webber. “Having her sister behind the plate should be fun to watch and help her quite a bit.”

Tiffany Gossett comes into her final season in the Crimson and White after going 2-2 last year with a 5.50 ERA.

“Tiffany is just steady for us,” said Webber. “She can come in at any point and mess up a lineup. Tiffany has the best work ethic and attitude. We look for her to be ready to step into any situation and take control.”

Southern Nazarene opens up play today in Hattiesburg, Miss., where it will take on No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.) and Spring Hill (Ala.) at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Storm will then play Saturday against No. 3 William Carey (Miss.) and No. 25 Mobile (Ala.). Also on the 2011 schedule are No. 5 Lubbock Christian, No. 9 Trevecca Nazarene and No. 10 Oklahoma City.